April 2022 Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

WHAT IS ASTHMA

Asthma is a chronic, or long-term, disease that causes inflammation  and narrows the airways of the lungs.

Asthma causes a variety of symptoms that can worsen at any time, making breathing difficult. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed. Some days there may not symptoms, but this    doesn’t mean asthma has gone away. 

ASTHMA SYMPTOMS

People with asthma may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Wheezing - A whistling sound heard when breathing in or out.

Coughing - A cough that may not go away and often occurs or worsens at night or early morning.

Chest Tightness - Feeling as if something is squeezing or sitting on your chest.

Shortness of Breath - Feeling as though you can’t catch your breath. You may feel as though you are breathless.

Each person may experience different asthma symptoms. Symptoms can vary over time in both frequency (symptoms every few months to every day) and severity (mild to severe). 

Managing  asthma includes avoiding triggers, monitoring symptoms, and doing other things and working with your healthcare provider to develop an individual plan.

ASTHMA TRIGGERS

Triggers are allergens, irritants, or conditions that cause asthma symptoms to worsen. Triggers vary from person to person, so it’s important to learn each individual’s triggers.  While it may be impossible to avoid every single asthma trigger, being able to identify and avoid your triggers is important.

COCKROACHES

Many people with asthma are allergic to the dried droppings and remains of cockroaches.

Keep food and garbage in closed containers 

Use bait or traps to eliminate cockroaches

If a spray is used to kill roaches, stay out of the room until the odor goes away

DUST MITES

Dust mites are tiny bugs you cannot see that live in cloth and carpet. Pillows, mattresses, bedding, and rugs or carpet all attract dust and dust mites that 

can trigger asthma symptom. To reduce exposure;

Dust  and vacuum frequently using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter.

Encase mattresses and pillows in special dustproof covers.

Wash sheets and blankets each week in hot water.

Keep stuffed animals and toys off the bed

Wash stuffed animals and toys weekly in hot water.

Reduce room humidity to between 30 percent and 50 percent by using a dehumidifier or air conditioner.

INDOOR MOLD

Moisture causes mold, so getting rid of excess water may help get rid of mold.

Fix leaky faucets, pipes, and other sources of water

Clean mold off surfaces with a cleaner that has bleach in it

Replace or wash moldy shower curtains

Open a window or turn on the exhaust fan when you shower

Reduce room humidity to between 30 percent and 50 percent by using a dehumidifier

PETS

Some people are allergic to the dander (the flakes of skin), dried saliva, or urine that comes from animals with fur or feathers. To reduce exposure:

Bathing pets weekly may cut down on its dander

Ask someone who doesn’t have asthma to change the cat’s litter box

Don’t allow pets in the bedroom

Keep pets outside if possible

Vacuum often, ideally using a vacuum with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter

Add HEPA filters to central air conditioning and heating. 

STRONG ODORS, SPRAYS, SMOKE

Do not use a wood- burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace

Stay away from strong odors and sprays, such as perfume, talcum powder, hair spray, and paints

FOOD SENSITIVITIES

Some people find that foods or beverages containing the preservative sulfite can trigger asthma symptoms. If flare-ups are happening, take a look at foods and beverages .It may take a while to figure out what foods—if any—trigger asthma symptoms. The following are examples of foods and beverages are common triggers.

Beer, wine, processed potatoes

Shrimp, dried fruit, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, aged cheeses

OTHER TRIGGERS CAN 

INCLUDE

Exercise

Colds and respiratory infections

Stress

PARTNER WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER

Create a personalized Asthma Action Plan with your healthcare provider. Part of this plan may include allergy testing and a personalized desensitization program. Call Phillips Clinic Family Practice for an appointment.